The Plockton Brewery

The smell hits you first when you walk into Plockton Brewery - all malt and yeast and something properly industrial. This is a working brewery right in the heart of Plockton, that peculiar little village where the houses seem to tumble straight into the water, and they're actually making beer on the premises rather than just shifting stock from a warehouse somewhere else.

You can watch the brewing process from a viewing area, see the tanks and the equipment, and then taste what they've actually made. It's the kind of place that makes sense if you're into how things work - not flashy, not trying too hard, just honest. The beers are decent, the staff know what they're talking about, and it's a good rainy-afternoon refuge when you're exploring this corner of the Highlands.

For families with older kids who don't mind a bit of industrial noise, it's fine. Small children might find it dull after twenty minutes. Real ale enthusiasts will want to linger. The location itself - just above Kyle of Lochalsh - makes it an easy stop if you're driving between the mainland and Skye, or exploring the coastline around here.

If you're camping at Reraig Caravan & Camping Skye, it's only a short drive, so you could easily combine it with a walk around Plockton's seafront or a visit to the neighbouring villages. Allow an hour or so, longer if you're settling in for a pint. Best in late afternoon when the light's good and the place quietens down a bit.